Authentic Thai Seafood Tom Yum Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 lemongrass stalks, crushed
  • 3 slices of galangal, thinly sliced
  • 6 kaffir lime leaves, torn into pieces
  • 3 red chili peppers, sliced
  • 4 cups of chicken broth
  • 1 cup of straw mushrooms, halved
  • 1 cup of shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup of squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
  • 1 cup of mussels, cleaned and debearded
  • 2 tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 2 limes, juiced
  • Coriander leaves for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
  2. Add the crushed lemongrass stalks, thinly sliced galangal, torn kaffir lime leaves, and sliced red chili peppers to the pot. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
  3. Add the straw mushrooms, shrimp, squid, mussels, quartered tomatoes, and sliced onion to the pot. Continue to simmer until the seafood is cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in the fish sauce, sugar, and lime juice. Adjust the seasoning according to taste.
  5. Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve hot.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to boil the broth and cook the soup.
  • Knife - Required for slicing ingredients like galangal, chili peppers, and onions.
  • Cutting board - Used as a surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
  • Ladle - Used to transfer the soup into bowls.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or vegetable broth instead of the traditional chicken broth.
  • Replace the seafood with chicken, beef, or tofu for a different protein option.
  • Add additional vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, or baby corn.
  • Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red chili peppers.
  • Include other herbs or spices such as Thai basil, cilantro, or ginger for added flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of coconut milk for a creamier version of Tom Yum.
  • Experiment with different types of mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms.
  • Try using different types of seafood such as scallops or fish fillets.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan variation, omit the seafood and use vegetable broth. Replace the fish sauce with soy sauce or tamari.

Recipe overview

This recipe will guide you through the steps to create the classic Thai dish - Seafood Tom Yum. A glorious mix of vibrant flavors, this soup combines the sourness of lime, the heat of chili peppers, and the freshness of various seafood. Our version includes shrimp, squid, and mussels, but you can customize it according to your preference. Expect a hearty, spicy, and tangy soup that's perfect as a starter or a satisfying main dish. The complexity of flavors makes this dish seem daunting, but the cooking process is surprisingly straightforward. Within 30 minutes, you'll be able to serve a delicious bowl of Seafood Tom Yum, bringing the taste of Thailand to your table. Enjoy this delightful soup with a side of steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Common questions

  1. What is Tom Yum? Tom Yum is a traditional Thai soup known for its hot and sour flavors. It is typically made with a combination of lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, chili peppers, and a variety of seafood or meat.
  2. Can I substitute the seafood? Yes, you can customize the seafood according to your preference. You can use a combination of shrimp, squid, mussels, or even add fish or scallops to the soup.
  3. Can I make a vegetarian version? Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the seafood. Instead, you can add tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables like broccoli or bok choy.
  4. Where can I find the ingredients? Most of the ingredients can be found in Asian grocery stores or well-stocked supermarkets. Lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves may be available in the fresh produce section or in the freezer section.
  5. Is it spicy? Yes, Tom Yum is known for its spicy kick. However, you can adjust the amount of chili peppers according to your desired level of spiciness.
  6. Can I make it ahead of time? While it is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the broth in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat the broth and add the seafood and other ingredients when ready to serve.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Used for boiling the broth and cooking the soup.
  • Ladle - Essential for serving the soup into bowls.
  • Knife - Required for slicing the galangal, chili peppers, and onion.
  • Cutting board - Provides a sturdy surface for chopping ingredients.
  • Soup bowls - Used for serving the hot and flavorful Tom Yum soup.
  • Spoons - Needed for enjoying the soup and savoring the seafood.

Origin stories

Tom Yum is a classic dish in Thai cuisine, known for its distinctive hot and sour flavors, fragrant spices, and rich aroma. The dish's name is a testament to its essence, with "Tom" referring to the boiling process, while "Yum" stands for the spicy and sour salad. This traditional Thai soup is usually made with shrimp, but variations include other types of seafood, chicken, and even mushrooms. Interestingly, it's not just beloved for its taste; in Thailand, it's also appreciated for its medicinal properties. The herbs used in Tom Yum, such as lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal, are believed to have immune-boosting benefits and are often used in traditional Thai medicine. So with each soothing sip, know that you're not only enjoying a delicious meal but also partaking in a rich culinary tradition imbued with generational wisdom for wellbeing.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.